FastBreakIt

ABSTRACT

A jersey which provides enthusiasts of such sports as baseball and basketball an interchangeable two in one jersey. The jersey allows the wearer to quickly convert the standard jersey into a jersey with long sleeves. The attachable long sleeves are stored in pocket-like enclosures which also have zippers along the jersey sides. The sleeves are attached using a pair of hidden sleeve zippers or a pair of Velcro strips. The sleeve zippers are hidden by an overlap of jersey material to give the appearance of a normal garment when worn as a standard jersey or a converted long sleeve jersey. The Velcro strips are positioned along the outer edge of the arm openings of the basketball jersey. The top portion of the Velcro strip attached to the jersey folds out for easy connection of long sleeves.

The title of this invention is derived from the basketball term which refers to dribbling the ball up court in an accelerated pace in order to score. However, the title FastBreakIt refers to the inventions' ability to be quickly converted into either a long sleeve jersey or short sleeve jersey using a series of zippers hence the title FastBreakIt.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

United States patents

U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,485b1 Heller

U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,404 Blanks

U.S. Pat. No. 5,717,999 Curry

U.S. Pat. No. 4,302,850 Maeshima

U.S. Pat. No. 4,006,495 Jones

U.S. Pat. No. 2,677,131 Shuster

U.S. Pat. No. 2,147,054 Pearson

U.S. Pat. No. 2,073,711 Robinsohn

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

“Not Applicable”

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

“Not Applicable”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a). Field of the Invention

This invention relates to jerseys worn by sports enthusiasts, baseball and basketball in particular. A baseball jersey having sleeves that attach and detach using a pair of nylon plastic sleeve zippers or a basketball jersey having sleeves that attach and detach using narrow strips of Velcro. The sleeves, when detached, are stored in hideaway enclosures along the sides of the jersey.

(b). Discussion of Prior Art

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,485B1 to Heller, a cycling jersey having a jersey vest with interchangeable short and long sleeves. The sleeves are connected to the jersey vest using a pair of narrow hidden sleeve zippers. In U.S. Pat No. 6,047,404 to Blanks, apparel having interchangeable and reversible sections which cause alterations thereof. In U.S. Pat No. 5,717,999 to Curry, an active wear garment which has sleeves, leggings, a collar, and a hood which are detachably connected to vest and pants portions.

The above mentioned patents illustrate a different type of jersey with removable sleeves and portions using zippers. However, they do not disclose the unique features and functions of the subject jerseys with attachable sleeves.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a primary object of the subject invention to provide sports enthusiasts, baseball and basketball in particular, with a unique jersey with attachable sleeves.

Another object of the sports jersey is the jersey allows the wearer to quickly and conveniently convert the jersey using a pair of hidden sleeve zippers or strips of Velcro to a long sleeve jersey depending on the outdoor temperature and/or the desired comfort of the wearer.

Still another object of the invention is the jersey allows the sleeves to be comfortably stored along the sides of the jersey under each arm opening within a concealed pocket-like enclosure using narrow plastic zippers. The pocket-like enclosures along the length of the sides are not visible outwardly. The zipper is concealed by an overlapping of jersey. In this manner, the overlapping of jersey gives the outward appearance of the seam of the jersey.

The baseball jersey includes a front portion with an opening having snap button closures, a rear portion, a first and second arm opening each having one half of a nylon zipper, a first and second sleeve each having the other half of the zipper of their respective side, and a first and second pocket-like enclosure with zippers. The basketball jersey includes a front portion, a rear portion, a first and second arm opening each having one half of a strip of Velcro, a first and second sleeve each having the other half of the strip of Velcro attached to and arranged around the inner upper arm opening, a open bottom portion for putting on the jersey, a top portion with head opening.

The baseball jersey is characterized by having one half of a narrow plastic sleeve zipper with zipper teeth attached to and arranged around the first and second upper arm opening. The zipper teeth attached to and arranged around the first and second arm opening remain hidden by an overlapping of jersey material the width of the zipper teeth.

The other half of the sleeve zipper with zipper handle and teeth is attached to and arranged around each upper arm opening of the long sleeves. The two sleeve zippers have a first end and a second end next to each other and meet at the seam along either side of the jersey. The zipper teeth attached to and arranged around the first and second upper arm opening of the jersey are enlarged beyond the first and second upper arm opening to prevent jersey from getting caught in the zipper when attaching or detaching sleeves. The jersey has two pocket-like enclosures that allow for quick, convenient, and comfortable storage of the attachable sleeves. The long sleeves lower arm openings have elastic cuffs to provide a more comfortable fit around the wrists. The basketball jersey is characterized by having one half of a narrow strip of Velcro attached to and arranged around the first and second arm opening of the jersey. The Velcro is positioned next to the single trim or in between the double trim of the first and second arm opening of the jersey and may be of a different color than that of the trim. For example, the Velcro may be one color while the trim is of another. In this manner, the jersey maintains a “normal” look when viewed at short distances. The other half of the narrow strip of Velcro is attached to and arranged around the inner upper arm opening of the long sleeves. The long sleeves lower arm openings have elastic cuffs to provide a more comfortable fit around the wrists. This jersey also having two pocket-like enclosures that allow for quick, convenient, and comfortable storage of the attachable sleeves. These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those familiar with the various types of baseball and basketball jerseys when reviewing the following detailed description, showing novel construction, combination, and elements as herein described.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In FIG. 1, a perspective view of the subject interchangeable two in one sports jersey is shown as a baseball jersey and having a general reference numeral 2 a. The baseball jersey 2 a broadly includes a pair of long sleeves 1, a pair of pocket-like enclosures 5 with zippers 7 for storing the attachable sleeves 1, a pair of narrow sleeve zippers 3. The sleeves 1 and the zippers 3 are shown in FIGS. 1,3, and 9. The jersey includes a front portion 11 with a vertical front opening 13. The front opening 13 can be opened and closed using snap button closures 15. The baseball jersey 2 a also includes an overlapping of jersey material 17 which covers the one half of the sleeve zipper attached to and arranged around the first and second arm openings of the said jersey as shown in FIG. 1.

In FIG. 2, a perspective view of the subject interchangeable two in one sports jersey is shown as a basketball jersey and having a general reference numeral 2 b. The basketball jersey 2 b broadly includes a pair of long sleeves 1, a pair of pocket-like enclosures 5 with zippers 7 for storing the attachable sleeves 1, a pair of Velcro strips 4. The sleeves 1 and the Velcro strips 4 are shown in FIGS. 2,4,6,10, and 12. The Velcro strips are positioned between the trim of the first and second arm openings as shown in FIG. 2.

The sports jersey is characterized by having one half of a sleeve zipper 3 or Velcro strip 4 attached to and arranged around the first and second arm openings of the baseball and basketball jerseys which are the preferred embodiments, respectively. The other half of the sleeve zipper 3 is attached to and arranged around the upper arm openings of said sleeves 1 while the other half of the Velcro strip 4 is attached to and arranged around the upper arm openings of said sleeves 1. Note, because of the construction of the first and second arm openings, the Velcro strips 4 attached to and arranged around the upper arm openings of the said sleeves 1 should be proportioned to fit accordingly to give the jersey the appearance of a “normal”. The Velcro strip 4 should conform to the contour of the first and second arm openings of said basketball jersey 2 b as shown in FIGS. 4,6, and 10.

The sports jersey also includes a pair of pocket-like enclosures 5 with zippers 7. The pocket-like enclosures 5 are arranged vertically along the inside of the jersey and are not outwardly visible. The length of the pocket-like enclosures 5 are enlarged beyond the pocket openings to provide sufficient storage of said sleeves 1 to prevent wrinkling. The pocket-like enclosure 5 when closed using the zippers 7 gives the appearance of a seam that runs vertically along the sides of the jersey.

In FIG. 3, a partial view of said baseball jersey 2 a is shown. In this drawing, the underarm portion of the sleeve zipper 3 is shown having a first end and a second end, the first end and second end of said zipper starting and ending on the underarm portion of the said jersey 2 a. This drawing also shows the pocket-like enclosure 5 open, having a potential start and end of said enclosure zipper 7.

In FIG. 4, a partial view of said basketball jersey 2 b is shown. In this drawing, the Velcro strip 4 and trim 6 is shown conformed to the contour of the arm opening of said jersey 2 b. This drawing also shows the pocket-like enclosure 5 open, having a potential start and end of said enclosure zipper 7.

In FIG. 5, a side view of said baseball jersey 2 a is shown. This drawing illustrates the overlapping of jersey material 17 which covers the one half of the sleeve zipper 3 attached to and arranged around the first and second arm openings of said jersey. In this manner zipper 3 is not seen when viewing from the front or rear. This drawing also shows the pocket-like enclosure 5 fully zipped with zipper teeth and zipper handle concealed.

In FIG. 6, a side view of said basketball jersey 2 b is shown. In this drawing, the Velcro strip 4 and trim 6 is shown conformed to the contour of the arm opening of said jersey 2 b. This drawing also shows the pocket-like enclosure 5 fully zipped with zipper teeth and zipper handle concealed.

In FIG. 7, a side view of said baseball jersey 2 a is shown inside out and illustrates the pocket-like enclosure 5 as it would potentially appear inside the jersey.

In FIG. 8, a side view of said basketball jersey 2 b is shown inside out and illustrates the pocket-like enclosure as it would potentially appear inside the jersey.

In FIG. 9, a view of long sleeves 1 is shown. In this drawing, the sleeve zipper attached to and arranged around the upper arm opening of said sleeves 1 is shown having a first end with zipper handle 10 and a second end. This drawing also illustrates the elastic wrist 8 as the lower arm opening for receiving the wearer's arm there through.

In FIG. 10, a view of long sleeves 1 is shown. In this drawing, the Velcro strip 4 attached to and arranged around the upper arm opening of said sleeve 1 is shown conformed to the contour of the said sleeve 1. This drawing also illustrates the elastic wrist 8 as the lower arm opening for receiving the wearer's arm there through.

In FIGS. 11-12, a front view of said baseball jersey 2 a is shown as a short sleeve baseball jersey having potential ornamentation and as a long sleeve baseball jersey. The long sleeves with elastic wrists give the jersey an attractive and distinct look.

In FIGS. 13-14, a front view of said basketball jersey 2 b is shown as a standard jersey having potential ornamentation and as a long sleeve basketball jersey. The long sleeves with elastic wrists give the jersey an attractive and distinct look. While the invention has been shown, illustrated, and described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments and modifications, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as claimed, except as precluded by prior art. 

1. An interchangeable sports jersey for enthusiasts of sports, primarily baseball and basketball, as well as other indoor and outdoor activities, the jersey comprising: A baseball jersey having a first color, said jersey having a front portion with front opening for putting on the jersey, a rear portion, a first side with first arm opening having a short sleeve, a second side with second arm opening having a short sleeve, a bottom portion, and a top portion; A pair of sleeve zippers having the first color, having a first half and a second half, the first half of the said sleeve zippers attached to and arranged around the first and second arm opening of said jersey; and a pair of long sleeves having the first color, said long sleeves include upper arm openings and lower arm openings for receiving the wearer's arm there through, the second half of said sleeve zippers with zipper handles attached to and arranged around the upper arm openings of said long sleeves, the lower arm openings of said long sleeves having elastic cuffs, having the second color, provide a comfortable fit around the wrists; the upper arm opening of said long sleeves are enlarged to receive the short sleeve portion of said jersey; A pair of pocket-like enclosures having zippers for opening and closing said pocket enclosures, the zippers having the first color, are hemmed in to give the appearance of a seam which hides the zipper when zipped closed, the enclosures are longer in length than the enclosure openings so as to store said sleeves without having to fold them, said enclosures are sewn vertically along the inside of the jersey beneath the first and second arm opening, the enclosures compress the said long sleeves when zipped so as to keep sleeves from bunching up and becoming wrinkled; An overlapping of jersey material having the first color, said jersey material conceals as well as provides protection for said sleeve zippers attached to and arranged around the first and second arm openings of said jersey, said jersey material, in this manner, gives the appearance of a shoulder seam when viewing at short distances;
 2. The jersey as described in claim 1 wherein each of said sleeve zippers includes a first end and a second end with the first end and second end of said zipper starting and ending at the underarm area of said jersey, having the first end of sleeve zipper on one side of the vertical seam of said jersey and extending around the arm openings and terminating with the second end of sleeve zipper on the other side of the vertical seam of said jersey,
 3. An interchangeable sports jersey for enthusiasts of such sports, primarily baseball and basketball, as well as other indoor and outdoor activities, the jersey comprising: A basketball jersey having a first color, said jersey having a front portion, a rear portion, a first side with first arm opening, a second side with second arm opening, an open bottom portion for putting on the jersey, and a top portion with head opening; A pair of Velcro strips having a second color, having a first and second half, the first half of the said Velcro strip attached to and arranged around the first and second arm opening of the said jersey, said Velcro strips conform to the contour of the first and second arm openings of said jersey; and A pair of long sleeves having a second color, said long sleeves includes upper arm openings and lower arm openings for receiving the wearer's arm there through, the second half of said Velcro strip attached to and arranged around the upper arm openings of said long sleeves, said second half of Velcro strip conforms to the contour of the first and second arm openings of said long sleeves, the lower arm openings of said long sleeves having elastic cuffs, having the first and second color, provide a comfortable fit around the wrists; A pair of pocket-like enclosures having zippers for opening and closing said pocket enclosures, the zippers having the first color, are hemmed in to give the appearance of a seam which hides the zipper when zipped closed, the enclosures are longer in length than the enclosure openings so as to store said sleeves without having to fold them, said enclosures are sewn vertically along the inside of the jersey beneath the first and second arm openings, the enclosures compress the said long sleeves when zipped so as to prevent the sleeves from bunching up and becoming wrinkled;
 4. The jersey as described in claim 3 wherein the first half of each of said Velcro strip, having a second color, is positioned at edge of the first and second arm opening of said jersey to give the appearance of jersey trim and providing an attractive contrast to the color of the jersey, the Velcro strip conforms to the contour of said first and second arm openings so as to allow said long sleeve to connect to said jersey, whereby said first half of the Velcro strip, when connected to second half of the Velcro strip, gives the appearance of a shoulder seam;
 5. The jersey as described in claim 3 wherein said long sleeves, having the second color, having elastic cuffs, the cuffs, having the first and second color, give said jersey an attractive and distinct look 